WWDC: Exciting new features coming in Apple's iOS 8

May 30, 2014 | By Fred Donovan

Rumors are swirling about what new features will be added to Apple's new mobile operating system, iOS 8, set to be released at the Worldwide Developers Conference being held in San Francisco next week.

Wiredis betting on a health and fitness services platform that will include a Healthbook app.

"Healthbook will reportedly aggregate and track everything from heart rate and blood pressure to nutrition, sleep patterns, and general activity. Third party apps will be able to plug into this app, much like ticketing or coupon apps can integrate with Passbook now," the publication notes.

A revamped Apple Maps and multitasking functionality that will run two apps at once could be in the offing for iOS 8, judgesInformationWeek. WWDC is unlikely to see an iWatch demo, though.

In addition, iOS 8 is likely to include OS X built-in app image-viewer Preview and writing tool TextEdit, says the Verge. Furthermore, Siri will be able to look up songs by listening to them, the publication notes.

Apple is rumored to be unveiling an interface enabling iOS devices to be used to control lights, security systems and appliances in the home, the Financial Timesreports [reg. req.].

"The connected-home system will give Apple customers more reasons to buy several devices in its iOS family, by using the iPhone or iPad in conjunction with its Apple TV box, an upgraded version of which is expected to be released later this year, to control other domestic devices," the report relates.

We will find out whether these rumors are accurate on Monday. Can't wait.

For more:
- check out the Wired article
- read the InformationWeekreport
- see the Verge article
- check out the FT report (reg. req.)